Lonely Mess<P>You've been gone a week.<BR>I'm cleaning the house we shared.<BR>I pick up papers and books,<BR>reminded of times when <BR>I scolded you --<BR>pants left on the floor,<BR>trash left by the door.<P>To go back.<BR>Wipe those harsh words<BR>from my lips,<BR>take you in my arms,<BR>hold you again.<BR>How those things don't matter today<BR>with you gone!<P>I look around the room<BR>longing to see<BR>some part of you.<BR>I'm here by myself<BR>in this lonely mess.<P>Marcia Moore<BR>4/10/99